Armed police in New Zealand swarmed central Christchurch on Friday amid a shooting incident at a mosque.

According to local media reports, there are multiple casualties at the Al Noor mosque and that another had been evacuated. Police said, the shooter is still active.

All schools in Christchurch have been placed on lockdown and people have been advised to stay indoors. Officers have reportedly cleared Cathedral Square, where thousands of children were holding a rally for action on climate change.

The visiting Bangladesh cricket team escaped unscathed in the attack. Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said, most of the players were bussed to the mosque and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

He told a news agency that the players are safe. Player Tamim Iqbal said in a tweet that it was a frightening experience.